Extendable shoring scaffold



p 1970 A. L. CUNNINGHAM 3,527,320

EXTENDABLE SHORING SCAFFOLD Filed July 19. 1968 2 Sheets-Sheet 1 INVENTOR. flier/we G/AW/M/M ,4: 44 42 BY WWW P 3, 1970 A. L. CUNNINGHAM 3,527,320

EXTENDABLE SHORING SCAF'FOLD 2 Sheets-Sheet 2 Filed July 19. 1968 INVENTOR. 4271/08 1 CuMw/va/MM B OZW, Wm

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United States Patent US. Cl. 182-478 10 Claims ABSTRACT OF THE DISCLOSURE An extendable shoring scaffold comprising a pair of horizontally spaced base frames interconnected by removable bracing members and formed by spaced stanchions with reinforcing struts extending between the stanchions. The base frames may be superimposed upon each other, with an extension frame mounted on each topmost base frame, the extension frames also having horizontally spaced stanchions connected by struts. Either the extension frames or the topmost base frames have at least a portion of their stanchions U-shaped in cross section for telescopically receiving the cooperating stanchions of the adjacent base or extension frame with the reinforcing struts connected to the interior telescoping stanchions being received in the open portions of the U-shaped stanchions which face inwardly toward each other. The frames formed of the U-shaped stanchions have transverse struts attached substantially tangentially thereto so as to clear the struts attached to the interiorly telescoping stanchions. The extension frames are held in their extended positions by pins passing through transversely aligned holes through the walls of the U-shaped stanchions and are braced by standard length cross bracing members connected adjacent the upper ends of the extension frames. Provision is made for leveling and adjusting the frames and their supported structure by means of jack screws.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION The field of this invention lies within the art of extendable shoring scaffolds.

Extendable shoring scaffolds such as those described in Pats. Nos. 3,190,405 and 3,313,081 have the stanchions of the extension frames telescopically seated within stanchions of the base frames. Each base frame stanchion is provided with spaced holes which receive transversely inserted pins upon which the interiorly telescoping extension frame stanchions rest.

To rigidify the extension frames, removable, standard length cross bracing members extend from the upper ends of the extension frames to the opposite base frames, the cross bracing members being connected to adapter members providing the supporting pins in Pat. No. 3,190,405, and to one of a series of spaced pins on each base member stanchion in Pat. No. 3,313,081. To interconnect the stanchions of the extension frames, horizontal struts are connected adjacent their upper ends. When the extension frames are lowered, the horizontal struts prevent the extension frame stanchions from telescoping beyond where they are connected to the struts and therefore the strut positions must be limited to the upper ends only of the stanchions. When the telescoping extension frames are lowered or raised in both patents, it is necessary to disengage the bottom ends of the cross bracing members from the base frame before moving the extension frames and the cross bracing members.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION The present invention provides an extendable shoring scaffold with extension frames which are also braced by 3,527,320 Patented Sept. 8, 1970 standard length cross bracing members connected adjacent the top of the extension frame stanchions. In a first embodiment each extension frame has a pair of horizontally spaced stanchions of which at least the lower portions are U-shaped in cross section with inwardly opposed openings. The extension frame stanchions telescope over tubular base frame stanchions which have centrally connected cross struts which are received in the open portions of the U-shaped stanchions as the tubular stanchions telescope therein. To reinforce the extension frames, cross struts are connected substantially tangentially to the U- shaped stanchions, thereby clearing the cross struts on the tubular stanchions. These extension frame cross struts may thereby be placed anywhere along the stanchions, indeed adjacent their lower ends, if desired.

In another embodiment of this invention the U-shaped stanchions are located at the upper portion of the topmost base frames and the extension frames have tubular stanchions telescoping thereinto. The same arrangement of cross struts is used so that the central cross struts on the extenion frames may be located anywhere along their lengths and be received in the open portions of the U- shaped base frame stanchions. The latter again have tangentially connected struts which clear the central struts on the interiorly telescoping stanchions.

Standard length cross bracing members connected adjacent the tops of the extension frames are used in both embodiments. The bottoms of these members connect to rigid pins adjacent the bottoms of the opposite extension frames in the first embodiment and to adapter members including extension frame supporting pins in the other embodiment. In both embodiments the supporting pins extend through transversely aligned holes through the walls of the U-shaped stanchions, the holes being vertically spaced along the lengths of the stanchions to adjust the extended positions of the extension frames.

A further advantage of the first embodiment is that the cross bracing members may remain connected to the extension frames as their positions are adjusted.

The above and other objects and features of this invention will be apparent to those skilled in the art from the following specification and the appended drawings.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS FIG. 1 is a perspective view of an extendable shoring scaffold according to the present invention;

FIG. 2 is an elevation view of one of the extension frames according to the present invention;

FIG. 3 is a horizontal sectional view on the line 33 of FIG. 2;

FIG. 4 is a detail sectional view taken along line 44 of FIG. 1;

FIG. 5 is a perspective view of an alternative embodiment of the extendable shoring scaffold of this invention;

FIG. 6 is a detailed broken cross-sectional view of the junction between the base frames of the shoring scaffold of this invention;

FIG. 7 is a sectional view on the line 77 of FIG. 6; and

FIG. 8 is a perspective view of an adaptor member for connecting the cross bracing and cross struts of the embodiment of FIG. 5.

DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS The embodiment of the shoring scaffold of the present invention illustrated in FIGS. 1-4 is made up of any desired number of base frames 10 and 12. Each base frame has a pair of horizontally spaced tubular stanchions 14 and 16 connected at either end by horizontal cross struts 18 and 20 connected to the stanchions substantially centrally thereof, and by a pair of cross struts 26 and 28 also connected centrally of the stanchions and having a horizontal reinforcing strut 27 between the cross struts. The base frames 10 and 12 at the same level are interconnected by removable cross bracing members 22 and 24. The base frames may be supported on leveling means in the form of jack screws 30 mounted in base plates 32 with adjusting nuts and handles 34 upon which the stanchions 14 and 16 rest.

A pair of extension frames 36 and 38 are telescopically mounted over the uppermost base frames 12 and 14. Each extension frame is made up of a pair of horizontally spaced stanchions 40 and 42 which are U-shaped in cross section and have integral upper tubular extensions 50 and 52. The U-shaped portions of the stanchions 40 and 42, as shown more clearly in FIG. 3, have their longitudinally open sides dis-posed inwardly in opposing relation, thus providing opposed slots extending from the bottoms through the major portion of the longitudinal length of the stanchions. The stanchions 40 and 42 are interconnected by a strut 43 and cross struts 44 and 46 connected to their side edges substantially tangentially, as shown in FIG. 3, cross struts 44 and 46 being preferably welded together at their point of intersection 48. The stanchions 40 and 42 are connected together at tubular members 50 and 52 by cross struts 54 and 56. The tubular members 50 and 52 mount leveling jack screws 30 in inverted relation to support a platform, concrete form, or the like 58.

The extension frames 36 and 38 are rigidified by standard length cross bracing members 60 and 62 which extend between the lower end of each stanchion and upper end of the opposite stanchion. The cross bracing members 60 and 62 generally comprise tubular members with fiattened end portions having holes therethrough to receive pins 66 which extend outwardly from the stanchions 40 and 42 adjacent the tops and bottoms thereof. As shown in the foregoing figure, latch loops 64 are welded to the outside of the stanchions 40 and 42 and have the pins 66 welded thereto to mount the cross bracing members 60 and 62 thereover. A generally U-shaped, slidable latch 68 is mounted in each latch loop 64 and has a front leg 70 slotted to receive the pin 66 to latch the end of a cross bracing member 60, 62 thereon.

The stanchions 40 and 42 have pairs of holes 74 spaced longitudinally thereof, the holes in each pair being in transverse alignment so that a pin 76 having a head 78 at one end and a hole 80 at the other end, to receive a cotter pin or the like, may be passed through the pair of holes. The pins 76 support the extension frames with the pins resting on the upper ends of the base frame stanchions 14 and 16.

The centrally-connected, horizontal struts 18 and cross struts 26 and 28 of the base frame 10 and 12, within the extension frames 36 and 38, are received within the slots provided by the inward, open sides of the U-shaped portions of the extension frame stanchions to allow free telescoping movement of the extension frames relative to the base frames on which they are mounted. The tangentially connected cross struts 43, 44 and 46 on the extension frames are offset thereby to clear the centrally connected struts on the base frames.

The extension frames 36 and 38 may be readily moved to vertically adjusted positions relative to their base frames 10 and 12 by changing the positions of the pins 76 in the extension frames. Since both ends of the cross bracing members 60 and 62 are mounted on the extension frames, this may be accomplished without disconnecting the cross bracing members. In any event, even if the cross bracing members are disconnected to facilitate extension frame adjustment, they may be reconnected to the same points because the construction uses standard length cross bracing members 60 and 62 connected adjacent the tops and bottoms of the extension frames regardless of the distance the extension frames are extended from the base frames on which they are mounted.

Referring now to FIGS. 5 through 8, the shoring scaffold of the alternative embodiment of this invention is made up of any desired number of base frames and 112. Each base frame has a pair of horizontally spaced tubular stanchions 114 and 116 connected by hori zontal cross struts 118. The base frames 110 and 112 at the same level are interconnected by removable cross bracing members 122 and 124. The base frames may be supported on levelling means in the form of jackscrews mounted on base plates 132 with adjusting nuts and handles 134, upon which the stanchions 114 and 116 rest.

A second pair of base frames 136 and 138 are mounted on the uppermost portion of the base frames 112 and 114 by the connector shown in FIG. 6 which may also interconnect the base frames in the first embodiment. Each of the second pair of base frames is made up of a pair of horizontally spaced stanchions 139 and 141 having portions and 142 which are U-shaped in cross section with integral lower tubular extensions 154 and 156 which are interconnected by horizontal cross struts 158 and 159.

The tubular extensions 154 and 156 are mounted to the base frame stanchions 114 and 116 by means of coupling pins 202 generally +-shaped in cross section with outside measurements only a little less than the interior diameters of the interconnected base frame parts. A central disk 204, having a greater diameter is interposed between the adjacent ends of the base frames. The ends of the coupling pin 202 are provided with holes 206 which align with holes 207 in the base frames and receive connecting pins 209 which are held in place by cotter pins 211.

The U-shaped portions 140 and 142 of the stanchions 139 and 141 have their longitudinal open sides disposed inwardly in opposing relationship, thus providing opposed longitudinal slots extending downwardly from their top ends. The stanchions 139 and 141 are further interconnected by cross struts 144 and 146 connected substantially tangentially to the walls of their U-shaped portions, as by welding and also desirably welded together at their point of intersection 148.

A pair of extension frames 156 and 157 are adjustably mounted at the top of the shore, each extension frame including a pair of horizontally spaced, vertical stanchions 150 and 152, interconnected by a series of horizontal cross struts 155. The stanchions 150 and 152 are telescopically received in the U-shaped portions 140, 142 with their ends resting on supporting pins 151 passing through transversely aligned holes 153 through the 0pposite walls of the U-shaped portions, the holes 153 being spaced vertically to adjust the extended positions of the extension frames. Cross struts 155 are connected centrally of the stanchions 150, 152 to be received in the open sides of the U-shaped portions 140, 142. Leveling jackscrews 130 with their attendant plates 132 and handles 134, are mounted at the top and bottom of the shore, the upper plates 132 supporting a platform or concrete form 159.

The extension frames 156, 157 are rigidified by vertically diagonal end cross braces 210, 212 and front and back vertically diagonal cross braces 214, 216, all connected to rigid pins 217 adjacent the tops of the extension frames. The bottoms of the cross braces are connected to pins 224, 226 mounted on L-shaped adapter elements 218 carried by the supporting pins 151 so as to be movable therewith as the positions of the extension frames are adjusted. The ends of pins 151, 224 and 226 have holes 228 therethrough for cotter pins or the like.

By moving the adapter elements 218 and pins 224, 226 with the supporting pins 151, bracing of the extension frames to their top ends can be secured with standard length cross braces regardless of the various extended positions in which the frames may be placed. As the stanchions 150, 152 telescope in the U-shaped portions 140, 142, the cross struts 155 are accommodated in the openings of the U-shaped portions, thereby permitting the use of strengthening struts across the lower parts of the extension frames.

While certain preferred embodiments of the invention have been specifically illustrated and described, it will be understood that the invention is not limited thereto as many variations will be apparent to those skilled in the art and the invention is to be given its broadest interpretation within the terms of the following claims.

What is claimed is:

1. An extendable shoring scaffold comprising:

a pair of horizontally spaced base frames;

cross bracing members interconnecting said base frames to form a rigid self-supporting structure;

a pair of horizontally spaced extension frames mounted telescopically over said base frames;

means for adjusting the amount of extension of said extension frames above said base frames in fixed steps;

brace attachment pins secured exteriorly to said extension frames adjacent the tops and bottoms thereof; and

vertically diagonal, standard length cross bracing members interconnecting the brace attachment pins adjacent the tops of said extension frames with the brace attachment pins adjacent the bottoms of the opposite extension frames whereby said exension frames are rigidified by connection of said standard length cross bracing members adjacent the tops thereof regardless of the amount of extension of said extension frames above the base frames;

each extension frame comprising interconnected stanchions having inwardly-facing, elongated longitudinal slots therein whereby the central, inwardly opposing regions of said base frames are cleared thereby when the extension frames are telescopically mounted over said base frames.

2. An extendable shoring scaffold as defined in claim 1 wherein said base frames comprise stanchions with cross struts which are permanently affixed substantially centrally between said stanchions so that the elongated longitudinal slots of said extension frames receive said cross struts when the extension frames are mounted over the base frames.

3. An extendable shoring scaffold as defined in claim 1 wherein said stanchions are interconnected by at least one bracing strut, permanently aflixed tangentially to the outer sides of the stanchions in each extension frame.

4. An extendable shoring scaffold as defined in claim 1 wherein said interconnection of said stanchions is by a pair of vertically diagonal cross struts permanently affixed at their ends substantially tangenially of the outer surfaces of said stanchions.

5. An extendable shoring scalfold as defined in claim 1 wherein said means for adjusting the amount of extension of said extension frames above said base frames comprise:

pairs of transversely aligned holes within the walls of said stanchions and spaced longitudinally therealong; and pins for insertion within one of the pairs of holes within each stanchion so that said pins will support said extension frames in telescoping relationship over and on said base frames to provide for adjustable extension of said extension frames in accordance with the longitudinal spacing between the pairs of holes.

6. An extendable shoring scaifold as defined in claim 1 wherein each stanchion is substantially U-shaped in cross section, with the openings of said Us forming the inwardly-facing, elongated slots.

7. An extendable shoring scaffold as defined in claim 1 and further comprising:

upstanding vertical tubular members rigidly mounted on the upper ends of said stanchions and adapted to receive supporting means therein.

8. An extendable shoring scaffold as claimed in claim 7 further comprising at least one generally horizontal cross strut between said tubular members;

9. An extendable shoring scaffold comprising:

a pair of horizontally spaced base frames, each of said base frames comprising a pair of stanchions;

cross bracing members interconnecting said base frames to form a rigid self-supporting structure;

a pair of horizontally spaced extension frames, each extension frame comprising a pair of stanchions telescoping with said base frame stanchions;

means for adjusting the extendable portions of said extension frames in fixed steps;

one of said pairs of extension and base frames having stanchion portions which are U-shaped in cross sec tion and located with the open portions facing each other;

struts interconnecting said U-shaped stanchion portions substantially tangentially thereof;

struts interconnecting the stanchions ofthe other of said pairs of frames substantially centrally thereof to be received in the open portions of said U-shaped stanchion portions; and

vertically-diagonal, standard length cross bracing members connected adjacent the top ends of the extension frames to rigidify them.

10. An extendable shoring scaffold as defined in claim 9 in which the U-shaped portions are on relatively stationary base frames to provide opposed longitudinal slots extending downwardly from the tops of the base frames; and

the centrally connected struts and their stanchions are on extension frames telescoping into the U-shaped portions of the base frames.

References Cited UNITED STATES PATENTS 1,552,333 9/1925 Mosher 52638 3,313,081 4/1967 Squire l82l78 3,420,030 1/1969 Kosmach 182l78 REINALDO P. MACHADO, Primary Examiner 

